Deputy survived thanks to bullet proof vest.

The Associated Press
WFLS News

Date published: 5/9/2008

TAZEWELL, Va. (AP) - A Tazewell County man has received two life sentences for his role in the shooting of a county sheriff's deputy last October.

Tazewell County Commonwealth's Attorney Dennis Lee said a Circuit Court judge on Thursday sentenced 28-year-old Scotty Lee Stinson of Bandy to life terms for two counts of attempted capital murder. He said Stinson also received 50 years each on two counts of robbery and 13 years for four counts of use of a firearm in a felony.

Prosecutors alleged that Stinson was the triggerman in the October 19th shooting of Deputy Eric Mullins during a traffic stop in Bluefield as police searched for robbery suspects. The shooting prompted a two-state manhunt for four people.

Mullins, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, has recovered from his injuries.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Date published: 5/9/2008